Kelvin Mwaniki: The 23-Year-Old Tech Visionary Balancing University Life And Entrepreneurship

— written by Sanju on Nov. 11, 2024, 3:13 p.m.

In an age where most university students are focused on classes and social life, 23-year-old Kelvin Mwaniki is juggling a unique double life. Not only is he a full-time Software Engineering student at the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, but he’s also the CEO of G-Tech, a promising tech startup in Kenya. Mwaniki’s journey as a young entrepreneur is an inspiring example of how passion and innovation can drive success, even under challenging circumstances.

G-Tech, a software development and IT consultancy firm, was born out of Mwaniki's desire to make a difference. What started as a final-year project at Baraton quickly evolved into a business. Collaborating with classmates on an app for Nakuru County, Mwaniki realized they had the potential to tackle real-world problems through technology. This project became the foundation for G-Tech, which officially launched in 2023 with a modest initial investment of Ksh30,000. Despite the startup capital and industry competition, G-Tech has flourished, earning over Ksh400,000 in a short period.

As a young entrepreneur, Mwaniki faces unique challenges. Building a tech company as a student requires a delicate balance of time and resources. “I focus on critical tasks for both my studies and G-Tech, ensuring I give time to what matters most,” he explained. His dual role allows him to bridge academic theory with real-world business experience, gaining insights that many of his peers won’t encounter until after graduation. However, his age sometimes proves a hurdle, as clients and investors are occasionally skeptical of young entrepreneurs. “I’ve learned to let my work speak for itself,” Mwaniki shared.

G-Tech isn’t just about profits; it’s about meaningful impact. The company has already worked on projects like “Doc & I,” “Onlocum,” and “GasXpress,” delivering systems that integrate seamlessly into client operations. Mwaniki believes that startups in Africa have the power to address pressing social issues by leveraging technology and focusing on sustainable solutions. His vision for G-Tech is to become a leader in IT solutions across Africa, driven by partnerships that foster innovation and community impact.

For students with entrepreneurial dreams, Mwaniki has straightforward advice: “Start now.” He emphasizes the value of mentorship, focus, and resilience. Reflecting on his journey, Mwaniki credits mentors, such as his late entrepreneurship lecturer Johnever Glenn Villagomez, for giving him the foundation to build G-Tech. He also draws inspiration from Kenyan tech pioneers like Morris Mbetsa, seeing himself as part of the next wave of innovators in Kenya’s burgeoning tech scene.

As Kelvin Mwaniki demonstrates, Kenya is fertile ground for young entrepreneurs ready to make a difference. His journey is a testament to the power of vision, hard work, and the belief that age is just a number.

Source: The Kenya Times

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